Aston Martin Vantage GT8 is a Hardcore Track Machine

Stephen Elmer
by Stephen Elmer

Aston Martin has created the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever.

The new V8 Vantage GT8 gets its power from a 4.7-liter V8, cranking out 439 horsepower. Thanks in part to Aston’s CEO Andy Palmer, who has vowed to keep a self-shift option in all the brand’s vehicles, the GT8 gets a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automated manual.

A wide body aerodynamics kit has been applied to the GT8 based on the Vantage GTE race car. Carbon fiber makes up all of the revised components, which include a new front splitter, bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser. A cutaway front wheel arch mimics the race car and stands out on this street machine, while the large rear wing and additional corner elements on the front splitter are both add-ons that come with the optional aero pack.

SEE ALSO: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S to Come With 7-Speed Manual, Purists Rejoice

Five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Micheline Pilot Sport Cup 2 ties provide traction to the GT8, which is available with three different color schemes: China grey and blue, stratus white and green or Stirling green and lime.

Performance through weight savings is a clear goal of the GT8, which has about 220 pounds stripped from it. Carbon fiber door panels, roof and sport seats help to shed pounds alongside a lithium-ion battery and a titanium exhaust. Aston did keep a few of the creature comforts in the cabin though, including air conditioning, a 160-watt audio system and the new AMi III infotainment system.

Just 150 examples of the Vantage GT8 will be created, with pricing beginning at £165,000 ($233,880). Deliveries will begin the the fourth quarter of this year.

Discuss this story at our Aston Martin Forum

Stephen Elmer
Stephen Elmer

Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>

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